Before Ricmond Va.

     Nov. 20^th 1864

 

Bro. A                                                                                                        

            Although I have not had a letter from any of you since I wrote last, thought this morning would give you No.2. as you had not received my two last. I generally get your letters on Mon. & will likely get one tomorrow

 

            We are still in the same place, in our snug little shanty.—tell you we enjoy it. when they let us stay in it particularly. when it rains as it did last night & to day—is raining on quite regularly & if it keeps on will be a long spell of weather. All has been "quiet in front" for the last week, with the exception of a little disturbance on the "left" said to be at Dutch Gap. for the last 3 nights we were ordered out to the breast work, but all was quiet soon / and we got back to our lair

 

Yesterday we had quite a distinguished guest to see us. Who was it? Tom Webb is in the 199^th laying on our Right. Also Dave Miller, M^cGinley Peterson, Chilcotte, &c &c—Tom looks much better & cleaner than he did when about Carrick. Jno has been detailed in the Qr M. Dept, left last week. If you have not got that knife yet you need not send it. I found mine. They feed us most of the time on hard tac, dont have an over stock on hand & it keeps us in about right trim for them Al. traded 3 onions for a haversack full which kept us afloat. get about 2 loaves of soft bread a week—can eat one pretty easy at 2 "licks". Mackeral, sometimes, cod fish "salt horse"—pickled beef—pork.—fresh Beef or carrion, onions, potatoes, pickled cabbage, vinegar. Salt, pepper, coffee & sugar, all mixed up could hardly tell you in what proportion, but no great quantity at a time M^c will fill the rest of this sheet. Write soon Rufus

 

                                                            Before Richmond 20^th Nov.

Yo Friend A.J.

                        I have just been wondering in my mind, whether you, the Squire & Jim W. have not a serious time playing the gallant this fall, as a matter of course you have ample room for becoming experts in this particular branch of science indeed I should not wonder if you had monopolized this precious business entire; very well, wait 'till this "cruel war" is over and we will show you

whether we are for Union or not? I have not heard yet how our County did for Old Abe; but I have no doubt as to old Metal doing his duty. how do the did'nt—know—how—to—vote—men feel now? if there eyes are still shut read them the Ides of Nov. 8^th. /

 

In the way of news I have nothing to report, the rebs have been making some fruitless demonstrations on our left now for 3 nights in succession. It has the effect of having us roused up at all times of the night & thus destroying our slumbers and in its place we have endless prohecies & cursings as muddled as was ever the roar of artillery. in the army we have fools as well as wise men I am entirely convinced of this fact, and it applies to officers as well as men. so the world wags.

 

There is great interest felt with regard to Sherman's recent movement, and this is highly intensified considering the distance that Hood's army is fooling away there time in his rear.

 

Let us hear from you and with my highest regards to the whole family & friends I remain Yours Truly                                                                                              J M^cGinley Wilhelm

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